General Description/History

A member of the Protea family, Blushing Bride flowers in spring producing papery white bracts, or floral leaves, surrounding feathery tufts of white to pinkish flowers. Flowers are white or pink. ‘Sugar ‘n’ Spice’ is a well-known variety with pink flowers and deep, rose pink colouring on the white bracts.

It is thought this plant received its name because of its traditional use in bridal bouquets in South Africa. Unfortunately, it seems to have been over-exploited as the species was near extinction in the wild until conservation measures in the 1960’s and 70s saved it.

Blushing Bride is grown in Australia on large bushes in plantations. Plantations are found all over Australia, and these flowers are also grown in South Africa, Israel and the US, including Hawaii.

What to look for

• About 1/2 of the flowers are open;
• Avoid bunches with drooping flowers.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool whenever possible.
2. Split bunches and strip leaves (if any) from the lower half of each stem.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem with sharp secateurs and place in water immediately.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

S. florida was extinct for over 100 years in the wild in South Africa until an accidental fire in the 1960’s germinated some seeds on the Fransch Hoek mountains in South Africa.
Serrurias are named after Professor J Serrurier who was professor of Botany at the University of the South Western Cape, South Africa.

Botanical Name: Serruria florida

Common Names: Blushing Bride

Stem Length: 30 to 60 cm

Country of Origin: South Africa

Available Colours: Pink, White

Season: Winter,Spring

Availability: July,August,September